Troubled waters for a young Michael Phelps

In 2014, Michael Phelps was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, after he was pulled over for speeding and erratic driving, and then failed two field-sobriety tests. But it was not the first time the young athlete found himself in trouble with the law.

In 2009, he was infamously photographed smoking marijuana from a bong at a South Carolina party. After the photo was published in a British tabloid, his primary sponsor, Kellogg, dropped him. The escapade also earned him a three-month suspension from USA Swimming along with a great deal of public criticism.

And back in 2004, shortly after taking home a slew of medals and records at the Athens Olympics, Phelps, then just 19 years old, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence.

By 2014, it’s fair to say his missteps had caught up with him. Since it was his second DUI, Phelps was sentenced to a year in prison, which was suspended for an 18-month probation period. During his probation, Phelps was ordered by the to stop drinking.

Phelps reflects on rehab

Ultimately, Michael checked himself into rehab to get the help he needed to get and stay sober. In a 2015 interview with Sport Illustrated, he described his first night there as “…Probably the most afraid I’ve ever felt in my life.”

But he stuck with it and primed himself for what could be an epic return to the sport. In an interview earlier this spring, he says his sobriety has helped to get into better shape than he’s ever been. “I see a complete change in my body, how I am day to day,” he said. “I have a completely clear head. … I’m actually happy every day. I’m productive.”

Sobriety has a way of doing that.

Finding the help before it’s too late

Legal troubles and tragic events are often precursors to a realization that someone needs professional help for a substance abuse problem. But you don’t have to get arrested or be in a precarious situation to get the care you need. If you find yourself drinking or using drugs to cope with feelings, or to simply feel “normal,” you might have an addiction. Addiction won’t go away on it’s own, but it is treatable. The staff at The Watershed Texas can help. Call us today for more information: 1-800-439-5959.